Who are some of the upcoming free agents this offseason who have played under or alongside of new Jacksonville Jaguars’ defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile?
Before joining the Jaguars, Campanile spent the 2024 season with the Green Bay Packers as their linebackers coach and run game coordinator. Prior to that, he was in Miami for four seasons as the linebackers coach.
This will be Campanile’s first time being a defensive coordinator at the NFL level, but he brings a wide-ranging background to Jacksonville that should serve him well.
We don’t know exactly what Campanile’s defense will look like, given that he hasn’t called the plays before, however, like many coaches, it could be comprised of bits and pieces from each of the stops he’s had and coaches he’s worked under.
That could mean that any of the free agents below who have been on the defensive side of the ball with Campanile could be a good fit for the Jaguars.
With help from Over the Cap, here are some current 2025 free agents who have been with Campanile either in Miami or Green Bay.
CB Eric Stokes, Packers
Stokes was a first round pick by the Packers in 2021 and, unfortunately, during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, he missed quite a bit of time due to injuries. However, in 2024, he was healthy, but as the season progressed, Stokes was playing time was reduced. Overall, he allowed 33 receptions on 54 targets (61.1%) at 9.9 yards per catch with no ball production.
CB Corey Ballentine, Packers
Ballentine has primarily been a special teams player during his time with the Packers. In 2023, due to injuries, he was relied on fairly heavily, playing over 200 snaps on defense. In coverage, Ballentine allowed a completion rate of 59% at 12.3 yards per catch with four pass breakups and an interception.
CB Robert Rochell, Packers
Another primary special teams player for the Packers. Rochell has played just seven defensive snaps the last two seasons in Green Bay.
LB Eric Wilson, Packers
Depending on the week, Wilson was either the third or fourth linebacker in the Packers defense. When needed, he handled the Mike linebacker duties in the middle of the defense and is at his best in coverage. He also has ample special teams experience.
LB Isaiah McDuffie, Packers
As rookie Edgerrin Cooper emerged, McDuffie’s role was reduced. He often was the third linebacker when the Packers were in their base 4-3 defense. He’s a very sound tackler and at his best against the run.
DT TJ Slaton, Packers
The Packers had one of the better run defenses in football in 2024 by yards per rush, and in the middle of that front was the 6-5 – 330 pound Slaton. He would rank 22nd among all defensive tackles in PFF’s run-stop rate metric.
S Jevon Holland, Dolphins
With safety being a big need for the Jaguars, Holland is one of the top safeties available this offseason. A very versatile defender who can line up deep, in the box, or in the slot, Holland has six career interceptions and 16 pass breakups and has consistently graded out as a strong run defender.
DE Emmanuel Ogbah, Dolphins
Ogbah totaled 33 pressures and six sacks in 2024 and had his best season as a run defender by PFF’s metrics. This addition would be made to add to the depth at a position group that is heavily rotated.
LB Duke Riley, Dolphins
Riley played just 43 defensive snaps in 2024, but was a big part of the Miami defense when Campanile was the linebackers coach. By PFF’s metrics, the 2023 season was Riley’s best where he was an effective blitzer and good run defender.
